Western Australian travellers are set to benefit from a multi-million dollar upgrade of QantasLink's fleet, with the airline announcing major upgrades to the onboard experience of its Airbus aircraft and confirming it has secured the initial three Embraer E190s to replace its Fokker 100 fleet.
These investments will improve comfort and reliability for thousands of residents across regional WA, as well as workers in Western Australia's critical resources industry.
Cabin upgrades
QantasLink's West Australian airline Network Aviation will begin fitting its fleet of 28 Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft with onboard Wi-Fi so customers can keep connected in the sky and enjoy the latest hit movies and television shows on their own device via the Qantas Entertainment App.
The airline's A320s will also be fitted with all-new seats equipped with USB A/C charging ports and portable device holders.
The first refurbished aircraft is expected to enter into service later this year, with the full cabin and Wi-Fi program set to be completed in early 2027.
Fokker F100 replacement update
The three mid-life Embraer E190 jets are expected to begin arriving by the end of the year, gradually replacing Network Aviation's fleet of Fokker F100 aircraft.
In total, the airline will acquire up to 14 E190s, providing customers with greater reliability, improved fuel efficiency and more comfort for customers.
The F100s, which have been the backbone of Network Aviation's operations for more than three decades, are being gradually retired as the airline receives A320s from Jetstar Asia and the addition of the E190s.
Ongoing fleet investment
The fleet upgrades complement the Qantas Group's broader fleet renewal program, which includes firm orders for more than 200 new aircraft and cabin refurbishments of Qantas' Boeing 737 and A330 aircraft, which will include new business and economy seats and larger overhead lockers.
Together, these investments will help improve reliability, reduce fuel burn per seat and create a more consistent experience for millions of Australian travelers.
Comments from QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra:
"This multi-million-dollar investment reinforces our long-term commitment to serving the critical resources sector in Western Australia and connecting regional communities across the state.
"Not only will it significantly enhance the travel experience for our customers, it will also help us improve reliability and efficiency across our WA network.
"It also builds on Qantas' commitment to developing Perth as its Western Hub, including recent investments in new training facilities, infrastructure upgrades at Perth Airport and the launch of domestic and international routes to destinations including Newcastle, Hobart, Johannesburg and Auckland."
Key facts on Network Aviation:
- Network Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group based in Perth and provides high-capacity charter and regular passenger transport services to the resources sector and regional communities
- The airline operates over 600 flights per week to more than 25 destinations across regional Western Australia and to Darwin, Newcastle, Hobart, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
- Its current fleet includes over 35 aircraft including Fokker 100, Airbus A319 and Airbus A320.
Please see b-roll, grabs from QantasLink CEO Mark Dal Pra and a fact sheet on Network Aviation's fleet here.
